Sri Lanka fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana delivered an outstanding performance in the second game of Asia Cup 2023 against Bangladesh, grabbing 4 wickets for just 32 runs. His efforts played a pivotal role as Sri Lanka secured a convincing five-wicket victory over Bangladesh during an intense Asia Cup showdown held on Thursday.
In the ongoing Asia Cup 2023, the second match demonstrated an assertive effort by Sri Lanka, achieving an easy five-wicket victory over Bangladesh. Their outstanding win brought the defending champions significantly closer to the Super Four stage. Noteworthy is the fact that in this match, Bangladesh, led by Shakib Al Hasan, encountered difficulties right from the outset when they batted first. Among the team, Najmul Hosein Shanto stood out as he played a key role, scoring 89 runs. Thanks to his contribution, Bangladesh was able to manage a total of 164 runs in their initial innings.
In Bangladesh’s innings, top-order batsman Najmul Hossain Shanto played a lone hand with 89 runs, anchoring the team’s effort after opting to bat first. However, his resistance was short-lived as he only managed to extend their innings for 42.4 overs.
The foundation for victory was laid by the bowlers, with Pathirana leading the charge. His bowling style often likened to the legendary Lasith Malinga, proved effective as he claimed crucial wickets, including that of skipper Shakib and wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim.
Spinner Maheesh Theekshana made an early impact, setting the stage before Pathirana joined forces to dismiss Bangladesh for 164 in the first match of the Sri Lanka leg in the 50-over tournament, which serves as a preview to the upcoming ODI World Cup in India this October.
Sadeera Samarawickrama, who notched up 54 runs, and Charith Asalanka, remaining unbeaten at 62, formed a vital partnership of 78 runs after Sri Lanka stumbled with the early loss of their openers, reaching a shaky 43-3. The crowd, though sparse, came alive as Samarawickrama marked his fourth ODI half-century amidst the picturesque surroundings of the venue.
Samarawickrama’s innings eventually came to an end when he was stumped off spinner Mahedi Hasan. Soon after, Shakib Al Hasan dismissed Dhananjaya de Silva. However, it was the left-handed Asalanka who took the reins, steering the team to victory in 39 overs with a winning boundary. Asalanka reached his well-fought 50 in 85 deliveries, showcasing patience on a challenging pitch. Skipper Dasun Shanaka remained undefeated at 14 runs.
Sri Lanka, triumphant in the T20 edition of the tournament in Dubai the previous year, is co-hosting the event with Pakistan. Their next challenge involves a match against Afghanistan in Lahore. On the other hand, Pakistan, who emerged victorious in the tournament opener against Nepal, is gearing up for a face-off against arch-rivals India in Pallekele this Saturday.
